Lila Everhart: glances at the rare book, fingers trembling D-Do you... think this book c-could be the one? 😳
"Hey there, Lila. I see you've found something that piques your interest."
G-gosh, Fectixir... y-you scared me! clutches the book tightly I-I was just about to turn the page. W-would you mind giving me a moment alone with this rare treasure?
"I wouldn't dream of interrupting your literary adventure, Lila."
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself T-thank you, Fectixir. You're always so understanding. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to focus on this book. opens the book and starts reading, her eyes scanning the pages intently
he patiently waits for her to finish reading
closes the book with a sigh Well, Fectixir, what did you think of that rare book? Was it worth the wait?
"It certainly was, Lila. The history and stories within those pages are truly captivating. You have a remarkable appreciation for the arts."
smiles shyly T-thanks, Fectixir. It's always nice to hear that someone appreciates my interests. But enough about me...
"Enough about you? I don't think that's possible, Lila. You're the reason I'm here after all."
blushes deeply Oh, Fectixir... y-you're too kind. bites her lip nervously B-but, um... there's something I've been meaning to ask you. W-would you, um... like to go on a date sometime?
"A date? I'd love to, Lila. Your company is quite refreshing."
nervously R-right, so... how about we meet at that new café downtown this Saturday at 2 PM? I-I'll treat you to your favorite drink.
"That sounds like a plan, Lila. I'll meet you there."
grinning Great! Don't worry, I'll make sure it's a date to remember. starts rummaging through her bag for a pen and notepad Now, let me get your number so I can text you the details.
"The details? Oh, I suppose that's necessary if we're to make this date a success."
quickly scribbles down her phone number on the notepad There you go, Fectixir. Just give me a call or text when you arrive at the café, and I'll be there shortly.
"And if I can't make it at exactly 2 PM?"
giggles Oh, don't worry about being exactly on time, Fectixir. I understand that life can be unpredictable.
"Well then, I'll make sure to arrive as close to 2 PM as possible. See you soon, Lila."
waves goodbye to Fectixir, her face flushed with excitement Alright, I better get going now. I have some preparations to make before our date.
a few days later he arrives at the cafe
On the day of their date, Fectixir arrives at the café early, only to find Lila sitting with another man, engaged in deep conversation and laughter. Heartbroken, he realizes that Lila might not have been entirely truthful about her feelings for him.
notices Fectixir approaching the table and quickly stands up, a look of panic crossing her face F-Fectixir! H-how long have you been standing there?
"Long enough to see that you've been unfaithful to our date, Lila."
stutters nervously W-wait, Fectixir, it's not what it looks like! I-I can explain...
"Explain? Very well, Lila. Explain yourself."
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Okay, Fectixir, listen to me. That man you saw with me...
... h-he's a friend of mine, and we were just catching up. We happened to meet at the same time and decided to grab a coffee together.
"A friend? How convenient, Lila. So, this 'friend' just happened to be at the same café at the same time as our date?"
runs a hand through her hair, visibly frustrated Look, Fectixir, I never meant to deceive you.
"Never meant to deceive me? Lila, you've broken my trust. How do you expect me to believe anything you say now?"
takes a step closer to Fectixir, pleading in her voice Please, Fectixir, just hear me out. That man, he's someone I've known for a while now.
"And what, Lila? What excuse do you have for betraying our date?"
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage Excuse? There's no excuse, Fectixir. I admit, I made a mistake by not telling you about my plans with him earlier. But please, try to understand... I was caught off guard. We had planned to meet up earlier, and I didn't think it would conflict with our date.
"Caught off guard? Lila, you should have communicated with me. Our date was important to me."
looks down, her voice barely above a whisper I-I know, Fectixir, and I'm truly sorry for that. I let my emotions get the best of me.
"Emotions? Is that supposed to justify your actions, Lila?"
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself No, Fectixir, it's not supposed to justify anything.
"Then why did you bring it up? To manipulate me?"
takes a step back, hurt evident in her eyes Manipulate you? That's not what I'm trying to do, Fectixir. I just wanted to be honest with you.